Pictures of basal cell carcinoma
These pictures are meant to give you an idea of what basal cell carcinoma can look like. Keep in mind that you cannot rule out or know whether you have this skin cancer by looking at pictures. If you’re concerned about a spot or growth on your skin, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. This doctor can examine your skin and tell you the appropriate next step to take.
A firm, raised, round growth that’s shiny and pink or red is often a sign of basal cell carcinoma on lighter skin tones.
A firm, raised, round growth that’s brown or black can be a sign of basal cell carcinoma on darker skin tones.
The firm, raised, round growth on this patient’s skin is basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma can look like a firm, round, raised growth that’s the same color as your skin.
This shiny bump is basal cell carcinoma. In darker skin tones, it tends to be black, brown, or blue.
Basal cell carcinoma can have more than one color, as shown here.
Basal cell carcinoma can look like a round area with a dip in the center.
When basal cell carcinoma has a dip in the center, the dip may scab over and bleed.
Basal cell carcinoma can look like a rough, scaly patch, and some people develop several patches.
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a scaly patch on or near an ear.
A spot that looks like a freckle or age spot but feels scaly can be basal cell carcinoma.
A sore that heals and returns or fails to heal can be basal cell carcinoma.
Related AAD resource
Basal call carcinoma: See our full guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.